App Launch Essentials

Optimizing your app information for the app stores

Your shop needs a recognizable name and effective description that attests to the quality of your products and the unique character of your business.

Before you get started on uploading and branding your apps, please read the Google Play Developer Program Policies and the iOS App Store Review Guidelines. Note that any violations of the Google Play or App Store policies will result in a rejection of your apps. Apps with explicit or erotic content, icons, titles, descriptions, or displays of sexual organs or activities will not be accepted by Shopgate.

Getting started

Once you've verified that your content meets the standards of the app stores and of Shopgate, follow these steps to enter names, descriptions, keywords, categories, and a shop URL for your apps.

On the Native Apps page, you can enter information for your iOS and Android apps. Information entered here will be displayed in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Please note that Description, Keywords, and Short descriptionare required fields.

App information on the Native Apps page can be edited by clicking on each field. Content will be saved automatically. Point your mouse to a text field to see where and how the entered info will look like in the app stores.

Creating a brand for your iOS app

App name

This is the "full name" of your app that will appear in the App Store and searches within the App Store.

✓ Choose a simple and descriptive name to look more professional.

✓ Remember that a maximum of 30 characters is allowed. Please note that if you have already entered an app name that is longer than that, the name is truncated.

✓ Keep in mind that only the first 19 to 30 characters (including spaces) of an app name are displayed in the App Store, depending on the page.

Display name

This name appears under your app icon on the home screen of an iOS device.

✓ Remember that a maximum of 13 characters is allowed, and the last 3–5 characters may be clipped on your home screen. To fit the most characters, spell your app name without a space.

✓ Keep in mind that this is purely for branding purposes and not for App Store Optimization purposes, so don't think about App Store search results when you choose it.

Subtitle

You can add an app subtitle to be shown with the app name in the App Store.

✓ Be short, but thorough. A maximum of 30 characters is allowed, so try to briefly summarize the purpose of your app and what makes it special.

Promotional text

This text, limited to 170 characters, is shown above the app description on the App Store for customers using iOS 11 or later.

✓ Promote immediate downloads by using this space to share urgent, time-sensitive information about your shop. Use it to notify App Store shoppers of new products, features, and limited-time sales so they feel like they can't miss what you're offering.

✓ Changes to the promotional text field does not require an app update.

Description

This does exactly what it sounds like: it describes your shop, your products, and the features that make your shop memorable and irreplaceable.

✓ Describe the most important information in the first 3 lines. This is for two reasons: first, you can use up to 4000 characters, so you don't want to bury the most vital info in the wall of text. Second, the rest of the text is hidden under the "Read More" buttons. Many users won't be compelled to "read more," so you should sell them immediately.✓ Explain what you sell and why should people buy from you. What makes you different? Why are your products of a higher quality than other shops? Do you have any loyalty programs or other incentives to earn their trust?✓ List the features and benefits your app provides.

Keywords

These are used to match the words searched in the App Store or a search engine like Google. Remember: selecting fitting keywords and categories are crucial to making your apps visible in searches and rankings.

✓ Remember that there is a 100-character limit.✓ Separate your keywords with commas; spaces are not necessary.✓ Use single words instead of phrases.✓ Use the singular form of a word instead of the plural form (e.g. use banana instead of bananas).✓ Use numbers instead of words.✘ Don't use app name or company name as keywords - they are automatically added.✘ Don't add the word "free" - this is automatically added for Shopgate mobile apps.✘ Don't use names or brands from existing apps or third party companies.✘ Don't use offensive words.✘ Don't use irrelevant keywords.

App URL

Copy and paste the URL to your desktop website. For example:

http://www.myawesomeshop.com

Enter info for your Android app

App information on the Native Apps page can be edited by clicking on each field. Content will be saved automatically. Point your mouse to a text field to see what the entered info will look like in the app stores.

Read the tips below to help you decide what to enter for your Android app.

App name

Choose a simple and descriptive name to increase the chance of your app getting discovered. A maximum of 30 characters is allowed.

Keep in mind that, only the first 20 to 25 characters (including spaces) of an app name are displayed in the Play Store. Longer names will make your app look unprofessional.

There are two choices when picking your app name:

✓ If your shop name describes what you sell, use your shop name as your app name.✓ If this is not the case, add 2-3 keywords after your shop name with a - sign. Read our tips for picking a descriptive app name.

Short description

This is the first descriptive text potential users will see when looking at your app’s Store Listing in the Play Store. This field is limited to 80 characters. Tapping the text will reveal your app’s full description.

Once users install your app, the short description will be replaced with the most relevant "What’s New" text.

Description

✓ Describe your most important info in the first 3 lines. The rest of the text is hidden under "read more."✓ Explain what you sell and why should people buy from you.✓ List features and benefits your app provides.✓ Include social proof: collect and display awards, customer testimonials, blog post reviews, recommendations from social networks, etc.

Feature image

✓ Upload an image of 1024 x 500 pixels.✓ Your image should be designed to scale. It needs to look good both in a full-size web browser and on a handset.✓ Create a fun and enticing graphic. Be bold and creative when promoting your brand.✓ Use colors that stand out on a black or white background.✘ Don't use a text-heavy advertising-style graphic.✘ Don't overload the graphic with details.

Content rating

Select the app user maturity. Your options are:

Low maturity

Medium maturity

High maturity

If you choose "High maturity," your app may be rejected by the Google Play Store.

That's it! Now you have entered all the information for your iOS and Android apps.

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